News
Solomon Islands sets sights on establishing NHRI
A regional delegation that included the APF recently visited the Pacific Island country to talk about the potential establishment of a national human rights institution.
Pakistan on path to establish NHRI
Pakistan’s National Assembly has unanimously passed a bill to establish an independent human rights institution with wide judicial powers.
Bolstering rights protection in the Pacific
The merits of a regional human rights mechanism for the Pacific, and pathways to establish one, were key discussion topics at a recent consultation.
The International Criminal Court: Delivering justice for women?
Delegates from across the Asia Pacific will gather in Sydney in February for a major conference to discuss the work and impact of the ICC, particularly in achieving gender justice.
Sima Samar receives prestigious human rights accolade
The Chairperson of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission has received the Stephen J Solarz Award for Commitment to Peace, Justice and Security.
Indonesia: Police top human rights complaints
The police was the government body most often reported to the National Commission on Human Rights in 2011, while land conflicts remained the most common source of violence reported.
South Korea: Commission releases survey on effects of torture
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea has concluded a seven-month fact-finding survey looking at the effects of torture on victims.
Qatar: NHRC to host conference on protection of journalists
The National Human Rights Committee recently hosted an international conference on the protection of journalists.
Indonesia: Disciplinary sanctions insufficient, says Komnas Ham
The National Commission on Human Rights says that any police officers found guilty in a recent clash in Bima deserve more than disciplinary sanctions for their actions.
Palestine: Rights violations continue in West Bank, Gaza
Rights violations have continued in the West Bank and Gaza Strip during December 2011, according to a report by the Independent Commission for Human Rights.
Thailand: Commission begins study of lese majeste law
The National Human Rights Commission has begun a study of the controversial ‘lese majeste’ law and how it affects freedom of expression.
Mongolia: Parliament abolishes death penalty
On 5 January 2012, Mongolia abolished the death penalty when its Parliament passed the Law on Ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Roadmap for a rights body in Samoa
A report prepared by APF consultants will provide the Government of Samoa with a detailed framework for establishing a national human rights institution.
NHRIs join global discussion on prevention of torture
Representatives of NHRIs from around the world were among 300 invited delegates to the first-ever global forum on the prevention of torture.
Jordan: Recommendations on new electoral commission
The National Centre for Human Rights has developed a set of recommendations for the government to consider as it prepares to establish an independent body to oversee and administer elections.
Pakistan: Rights commission bill tabled in National Assembly
More than three years after being approved by cabinet, a bill to set up an independent and human rights commission has been tabled in the National Assembly.
Using national inquiries to promote systemic change
Staff from APF member institutions in South Asia recently met in Kerala, India, to develop strategies for running national inquiries on pressing rights issues.
International NHRI body prepares advice on key topics
The International Coordinating Committee of NHRIs is developing advice on three key topics to support individual institutions comply with the Paris Principles.
Maldives: Commission receives over 500 complaints in past year
Complaints received by the Human Rights Commission of Maldives during the year include the right to work, torture or degrading treatment and standard of health care, among others.
Afghanistan: Concerns over escalating violence against women
Officials from the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission have expressed serious concern about escalating violence against women in the country.
